Design Games
Nathan D Paoletta and Will HindmarchWe talk about game design, especially tabletop roleplaying and story games. We're professional designers ND Paoletta and Will Hindmarch. We're glad you're here.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 50 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | DesignArts | ||||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
This is it. Our fiftieth episode marks the end of our long conversation about designing tabletop RPGs (and everything else we spilled over into). This episode addresses audience questions, the past, and the future. What do you do when you're done and... more
You need funding. You might give your game away for free, but you didn't make it for free. Your time and work have value. How does that translate to cost and how does your product help fund itself and the next thing you want to make?
Nathan is shari... more
Let's talk about some of the software that we—Nathan and Will—use for production purposes like layout and graphic design. More importantly, let's talk about how that impacts our game designs and workflow across the board.
We're also seeking new ques... more
As you're proceeding into production of your game, ask yourself: What can I do myself? When should I ask for help? What would I say to externalize my vision to a hire? What you do yourself, what you expand your skills to accomplish, and when you hire... more
What form does your RPG take? Is it a book? A deck of cards? A poster or mousepad or business card? Are you sure?
Design Games is made possible by our supporters at Patreon, where you can back NDP and Will right now. Every dollar helps.
What do you... more
Let's talk about another means of delivering random results and packaging information for players in your tabletop roleplaying and story games: cards.
Design Games is made possible by our supporters at Patreon, where you can back NDP and Will right ... more
Look around. Get your bearings. Take a look back at what's working and what you've learned, then move forward with the knowledge. That's what we're doing, this time.
Design Games is made possible by our supporters at Patreon, where you can back NDP ... more
You've got a lot of notes, you've got rules and systems, maybe you've been writing for yourself. How do you start writing all of that out for other people in addition to yourself? Let's talk.
Design Games is made possible by our supporters at Patreo... more
Key Facts
Reviews
If game design theory (particularly in regards to RPGs) is your jam, then this is IT. It's a bit hard to follow at times, but I've gotten a lot of good stuff out of it. It saddens me that it is no longer being made, but it's great that it's still available.
Podcast Addict3 years agoHorrifiedRancorNew episodes have been more woke preaching and intersectional worship than game design content. The episode on playstorming was really useful. Now it's all groveling interviews.
Podcast Addict3 years agosaltylight- Go to for game TTRPG design
I know of no other show that goes in depth about every aspect of game design for small press and indie designers. The chemistry is awesome, subject matter is knowledgable and on point. Never miss a show!
Apple Podcasts5Soyosauce
Canada9 years ago - A Great Listen
Will and Nathan do an excellent job of breaking down game design. Whether you fancy yourself a designer or just a player who wants to know more about how games get put together, this podcast has you covered.
The back-and-forth, casual format brings to mind two friends discussion things over coffee or tea, and you as a listener get to sit in. The conversation ranges all over the chosen topic for the week without seeming aimless or repetitive.
The episodes are shorter than other podcasts I've li... more
Apple Podcasts5TriskalJM
United States10 years ago - Thought provoking
This podcast is great. I frequently listen to an episode twice (or more!) because it makes me think. The two hosts are interesting, engaging and great to listen to.
Apple Podcasts5JADettmanUnited States10 years ago - Good stuff
Will and Nathan talk about the nuts and bolts of RPG design. Informative and easy to listen to.
Apple Podcasts5Sir ValenceUnited States10 years ago - Good discussions, need louder mics
The discussions are fantastic and I'm loving the show so far (through episodes 0, 1, 2). The banter between Nathan and Will holds up and I like the way they have sort of interviewed each other. I also appreciate their varied experiences as indie and traditional publishers.
I do have one problem, and it's related to production: the volume on the mics used is just too low. I listen in my car during my commute. I've got my iPod set to max volume and it takes until my car stereo volume is almost m... more
Apple Podcasts4Mercutio01United States10 years ago - Insightful
I love this podcast and recommend listening to it from the beginning. They talk about game design in a clear and authentic way. Some podcasts I put on on the background while doing something else. Not this one.
Apple Podcasts5ohbejuanUnited States10 years ago - Deep Dive into Design Without the Pretense
Will Hindmarch & Nathan Paoletta both have impressive game design resumes, and while that informs the quality of this podcast, it really just establishes the baseline. Both hosts clearly *enjoy* thinking about and talking about the art and craft of game design. They are willing to dive deep into topics, but they remain firmly grounded in the understanding that the ultimate product is something played at a real table with real people.
I find them entertaining, informative and inspirational. An... more
Apple Podcasts5ChairnadoUnited States10 years ago
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #153 | United States/Arts/Design |
Apple Podcasts | #186 |  Australia/Arts/Design |
Apple Podcasts | #152 |  New Zealand/Arts/Design |
Top Design Podcasts
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Design Games
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How many episodes of Design Games are there?
Design Games launched 10 years ago and published 50 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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